Philippines police eye robbery, not IS, in Resorts World Manila attack

Police surround Resorts World Manila during a tense moment.

MANILA: Philippine National Police chief General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Friday morning dismissed reports that the Islamic State (IS) terror group carried out the attack on Resorts World Manila.

Dela Rosa said the attack was carried out by a lone man who entered the resort-casino complex.

“There is a lone man who entered the second floor of Resorts World Manila. He was carrying an M4 rifle and he burned gambling tables. He did not shoot anyone,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters at the police command centre in the resort complex.

He said the police have yet to establish the motive of the attack.

“So far the motive [is not known]. Ito ba ay terrorism or robbery or nasisiraan lang ng bait. (Is this terrorism or robbery or someone has just gone nuts)?” he said.

He said they did not see any hostage-taking incident after reviewing all CCTV footage, adding that the attacker did not shoot anyone.

The PNP chief rejected reports that IS claimed responsibility for the attack, allaying fears that this was an act of terror.

“They can claim anything as part of their propaganda but we have to base our conclusion on evidence,” he stressed.

IS claimed responsibility for the attack, according to SITE Intelligence Group.

“It’s too early to conclude, it’s too early to tell,” Dela Rosa said, adding that there was no indication IS was involved.

He said no one was hurt, except for those who fled for their safety, adding that they only suffered minor physical injuries due to the stampede.

The attacker only shot a big LED TV at the casino and fired several shots at the storage area, he added.

According to him, police were looking at the robbery angle since the attacker barged into the storage room to steal a backpack full of casino chips worth P1,000,000 (RM86,124).

The backpack was recovered by the police.

Dela Rosa said the lone attacker, a foreign looking, Caucasian man, was last spotted on the second floor.

Troops were conducting clearing operation in all rooms and floors of the hotel, he said, adding that the situation is closing to normal.

Dela Rosa called on the public to be vigilant and aware at all times.

“As far the PNP is concerned, we cannot attribute this to terrorism [yet]. The IS can claim anytime as part of their propaganda,” he said. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network